Terrorist neutralized in eastern Turkey on wanted list

By Orhan Onur Gemici

ANKARA (AA) – A PKK terrorist, previously neutralized in eastern Turkey, was revealed to be in the country's wanted list, the Interior Ministry said on Friday.

The terrorist was among 15 neutralized in an air-backed operation of local gendarmerie in the eastern Agri province between Nov. 7-9, according to a statement by the ministry.

The terrorist was later identified as Halis Ersayan -- codenamed Delil Serhat -- who was on the wanted list of the Turkish government.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including many women, children, and infants.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar